ANDERS. [Beyond himself] In the name of Christ, will this never come to an end?
OLAVUS. [Rising] Yes, this is the end!
He goes to the door and opens it.
The MESSENGER enters and throws on the table the bloodstained coats of INGHEL HANSSON, NILS OF SÖDERBY, and MASTER STIG.
OLAVUS. Look!
MONS and ANDERS. Another blood-bath!
MONS. Without trial or hearing!
OLAVUS. The trial took place two years age, and sentence was passed. But the King put mercy above justice and let the traitors remain at large to see whether their repentance was seriously meant. When he learned that they remained incorrigible and went on with their rebellious talk as before, he decided to execute the sentences. That's how the matter looks when presented truthfully.
MONS. And yet there was a lot of talk about everything being forgiven and forgotten....
OLAVUS. So it was, provided the same offence was not repeated. But it was repeated, and what might have been forgotten was again remembered. All that is clear as logic. [To HERMAN ISRAEL] These two trustworthy men.... [To MONS and ANDERS] You are trustworthy, are you not?
MONS and ANDERS. Hope so!